Guitarists for Hire in San Diego

Q: How much do guitarists cost in San Diego?

The average price for guitarists on Gig Heaven is $390, with rates ranging from $140 to $1,150+. Cost depends on performance duration, the guitarist's experience and whether the booking is for background music or a full live set. Guitarists on the platform cover a wide range of styles including classical, jazz, blues, rock, flamenco and pop.

Q: What styles of music can guitarists play?

The guitarists for hire cover a huge range of styles including classical, jazz, blues, flamenco, rock, pop, folk, fingerstyle and acoustic covers. Many guitarists are versatile performers who can switch between styles during an event to suit different moments.

Q: What events are guitarists suitable for?

Popular occasions for hiring guitarists include wedding ceremonies, drinks receptions, corporate dinners, private parties, restaurant entertainment and ambient background music. A solo guitarist provides versatile, elegant live music that suits both intimate and larger settings.

Q: Can a guitarist learn specific songs for an event?

Most guitarists are happy to learn specific songs for key moments such as a ceremony entrance or first dance. Many have extensive repertoires covering popular songs, classical pieces and jazz standards. It is advisable to discuss song requests with the guitarist well in advance.

Q: Do guitarists play electric or acoustic guitar?

Many guitarists on Gig Heaven play both electric and acoustic guitar and can choose the instrument that best suits the event. Acoustic guitar provides a warm, intimate sound for ceremonies and dining, while electric guitar is better for rock, blues and higher-energy performances.

Q: Do guitarists need amplification?

For small, quiet settings, many guitarists can perform acoustically. For larger venues, outdoor events or noisier environments, a small amplifier or PA system is usually needed. Most guitarists bring their own amplification. For the best experience, discuss the venue size with the performer.

Q: Can a guitarist cover both the ceremony and the drinks reception?

One player can usually cover the whole day, moving from processional and signing music during the ceremony to background playing over drinks and dinner. Timings are agreed in advance, since the ceremony music has fixed cues while the reception is more flexible. Where the ceremony and the reception are in different spaces, allow time to move and set up between them.

Q: How long does a guitarist usually play?

Most bookings run to two or three hours of playing time, split into sets with breaks, though the total time on site is longer once setup and soundcheck are added. Shorter ceremony-only bookings of around 40 minutes are common and are priced differently. Ask for playing time rather than hours on site, as the two are not the same.

Q: Will a guitarist play outdoors?

Outdoor playing is common for ceremonies and garden receptions, and most players are happy to do it given shade and a level surface. Direct sun and damp both affect a wooden instrument, so a covered area is worth arranging even in settled weather. Wind carries sound away quickly, so amplification is usually needed outdoors even for a small number of guests.

Q: Can I contact multiple suppliers at the same time?

Yes, either add suppliers to your favourites and contact them all at once, or use the find a supplier wizard .

Browse 591 guitarists available for hire in San Diego, California, United States, from acoustic soloists and instrumental performers to singer-guitarists covering pop, rock, jazz and more. Rated 5 out of 5 across 1,240 reviews from real clients.

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How much does it cost to hire Guitarists in San Diego?

$Low price

from$140USD

$$Average price

from$390USD

$$$High price

from$1,150USD

Guitar players mostly quote per set rather than per hour, with rates in San Diego starting from about $140 for a single instrumental set, typical bookings around $390 and singer-guitarists bringing their own PA reaching $1,150+. Longer performances, weekend and peak-season dates, and sets that include vocals all push quotes up. When comparing quotes, check what each includes: amplification, travel and time to learn requested songs are sometimes itemised separately. Booking ceremony and reception music with the same performer often costs less than hiring two separate acts. Contact the supplier you like for an accurate quote.

What our enquiries show

Based on 855 enquiries for Guitarists at events in the United States, made through this site in the last two years. Updated 28 October 2026.

Most requested for

Private events

28% of enquiries, with weddings next at 24%

Typical first reply

Within 12 hours

56% of enquiries get a reply within a day

How early people enquire

About four weeks

52% enquire less than a month before the event

Busiest months

All year round

No month has more than 13% of events

How far suppliers travel

About 30 miles

For the 85% based outside the event's town

Reviews of Guitarists based near San Diego

5/5 from 34 reviews

Suave Guitarist "Richard was fantastic from start to finish! He responded immediately to our inquiry and maintained excellent and consistent communication throughout the entire planning process. He arrived fully prepared with all of his own equipment and performed an upbeat selection of familiar songs that our guests truly enjoyed and sang along with him. His talent, professionalism and engaging performance style created the perfect atmosphere for our cocktail party. We would gladly work with him again and highly recommend him for any event!! Our clients couldn't stop asking "who was that fabulous guitarist!"" Based in San Diego, California 3rd September 2026 Thomas E - Retail customer appreciation cocktail party

Nikita Nakonechnyi "My musician Nikita was outstanding. He was punctual, well dressed, very respectful, and polite. He played the guitar at my wedding and brought such a beautiful sense of magic and serenity to the moment. It truly made the ceremony feel special. From the very beginning, he felt like someone we had known before -almost like part of our family. His demeanor is fresh, friendly, and very warm. We are so happy we found him. Having him play at our wedding was absolutely perfect. Thank you so much Nikita!" Based in San Diego, California 6th March 2026 Vanessa - Private wedding

Vic Meanguitarlicks "Always a good time when Vic is on stage! Definitely worth seeing him solo or with a band!" Based in San Diego, California Peter Gregg

A Touch Of Class Music/Barry Allen Cohen "Thanks Barry for making my daughters wedding so special. I can’t tell you how many compliments I received about your music, your abilities, and the way you managed the crowd. I have attached the picture of you, Andy, and Sarah. Feel free to include Sarah and Andy or myself as a reference." Based in San Diego, California Jim Bachmann - Wedding

los angeles acoustic Guitarist "Ian Kauffman was an absolute pleasure to work with. For couples looking for live music for their ceremony or the reception, Ian is the pro. His glowing reviews are a direct reflection of his work. With little direction, Ian is able to provide clients with an eclectic list of music that brings all age groups onto the dance floor – a serious accomplishment. Not to mention, as a planner, releasing tables to a buffet line can be a stressful task, as you do not want guests waiting in an endless line. This not only demonstrates his flexibility in his services, but also his understanding for tasteful execution. The wedding I coordinated occurred on New Years Eve, so Ian was expected to provide 10+ hours of engaging music – a task he accomplished flawlessly. My bride was extremely satisfied with the outcome as well. I look forward to recommending Ian to my future clients and working with him again." Based in Los Angeles, California (111 miles from San Diego) Steve Jones - Private Individual

Island Stylin' with Bruddah Vince "Bruddah Vince made our day special!! 🍊☀️🙌 SUGAR + SUN hired Bruddah Vince for our Studio Spa Grand Opening celebration in SeaCliff Village, HB 🌺 He was incredible! Beautiful voice and such a welcoming and kind demeanor. Everyone loved his music so much and enjoyed dancing to the Hawaiian Island vibes. He created a Hawaiian atmosphere at our event that I couldn’t have done on my own 🧡🙌 Thank you for celebrating with us Bruddah Vince! Excited to hire you for our next event!" Based in Los Angeles, California (111 miles from San Diego) Cathleen W. - Grand Opening

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